Microsoft's Tokyo Office Involved in Antitrust Raid

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) raided Microsoft's Tokyo offices yesterday on suspicion of antitrust violations, according to Japanese law enforcement officials. The raid represents the second time the FTC has investigated Microsoft in recent years; in 1998, the commission warned Microsoft that the way the company bundled Microsoft Office with Windows in Japan raised antitrust concerns. The company responded by removing the bundle, and Japan dropped the warning. This time, the FTC is concerned about Windows licensing. "The company is suspected of setting unfair conditions when giving licenses for Windows to Japanese computer makers," an FTC representative said yesterday. At issue is a clause that prevents Japanese computer makers such as Fujitsu, Hitachi, Matsushita Electric Industrial, NEC, and Sony from suing Microsoft if they discover that the software giant is illegally using their patented technologies. "Unless Japanese companies agree to the clause, they cannot preinstall Windows in their computers," the representative noted. Today, Microsoft confirmed the raid. "Some commission officials came to our headquarters this morning, and they are holding a meeting with our company officials," a Microsoft spokesperson said, noting that the company is looking into the reasons for the raid. Microsoft had no further comment.

Discuss this Article 4

William Durrand (not verified)

on Feb 26, 2004

Just once I wish Microsoft would deal with a situation like this, by simply not licensing its software to the country/state/company involved.
I'd like to see exactly how long these entities would exist without a consistent operating system that is as widely distributed as Windows is.
It is high time we all considered how much most of us owe to Microsoft - most of us have jobs, companies and viability in related markets because of them and their platform.
Soneome has to lead this industry, and it is companies like Microsoft, Intel, HP/Compaq and a select few others that provided that leadership, continuous investment and the momentum most of us enjoy.
The persistent attacks against Microsoft are not unlike the attacks on the United States itself - it's like saying, "Hey, hold on a moment, what is this power you have developed, this wealth, this system that has such influence...you all need to stop that and let us catch up?"
It's ridiculous and sad and I wish entities like the FTC would stop it and soon.

"...a Microsoft spokesperson said, noting that the company was looking into the reasons for the raid."
LOL...because you can't obey the law. That's why. After countless lawsuits across the planet, haven't you gotten that through your thick MicroSkulls yet?